> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://google-40.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Get started with NotebookLM: create your first notebook

> Create your first NotebookLM notebook, upload a source, and receive your first AI-generated answer with inline source citations in under five minutes.

This guide walks you through creating your first notebook, adding a source, and getting an AI-generated answer—all in a few minutes. You only need a Google Account to get started.

<Note>
  All answers NotebookLM gives you are grounded exclusively in the sources you add to your notebook. The AI does not use outside knowledge or the web.
</Note>

## Create your first notebook

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in to NotebookLM">
    Go to [notebooklm.google.com](https://notebooklm.google.com) and click **Sign in**. Choose the Google Account you want to use. If you do not have a Google Account, you will need to create one first.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new notebook">
    On the NotebookLM home page, click **New notebook**. Give it a descriptive name that reflects your project or topic—for example, "Q3 Research Report" or "Biology 101 Exam Prep". A clear name makes it easier to find the notebook later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your first source">
    In the **Sources** panel on the left, click the **+** button (or **Add source**). You can upload a file from your computer, link to a Google Doc or Google Drive file, paste in a URL, or add a YouTube link. For your first notebook, a PDF or Google Doc works well.

    Supported source types include PDFs, Google Docs, Google Slides, web pages, YouTube videos, audio files, and pasted text. See [Supported formats](/sources/supported-formats) for the full list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for the source to process">
    After you add a source, NotebookLM analyzes and indexes it. Most sources process in a few seconds; longer documents may take a moment longer. A progress indicator appears in the Sources panel. Wait until the source shows a checkmark before asking questions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ask a question in the chat panel">
    Click in the chat input at the bottom of the page, type a question about your source, and press **Enter** (or click the send button). For example: "What are the main arguments in this document?" or "Summarize the key findings."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the answer and check citations">
    NotebookLM responds with an answer based on your source. Inline citation numbers (like ¹ or ²) appear in the response—click them to jump directly to the relevant passage in the original document. Use citations to verify the answer and explore the source material in more detail.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Add multiple sources to get richer, more comprehensive answers. NotebookLM can synthesize information across all the sources in a notebook—so the more relevant material you include, the more thorough its responses will be. You can add up to 50 sources per notebook.
</Tip>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Add more sources" icon="file-arrow-up" href="/sources/adding-sources">
    Learn how to add different file types and links to your notebook.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Notebook Guide" icon="book-open" href="/features/notebook-guide">
    Auto-generate study guides, FAQs, briefing documents, and timelines.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Audio Overview" icon="headphones" href="/features/audio-overview">
    Turn your sources into a podcast-style audio discussion.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sign in and access" icon="user" href="/getting-started/sign-in">
    Learn how to switch accounts and access notebooks across devices.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>